The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is urging safe quad bike use ahead of the Easter long weekend. Sadly, there has been five quad bike related deaths this year, with 60 deaths reported between 2011 and 2013.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"Riding a quad bike can be a very dangerous activity. All riders, no matter how experienced, need to take precautions to avoid serious injury or death," ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
Half of the deaths reported since 2011 were associated with recreational use. Over the last three years, at least one in three riders who died was not wearing a helmet.
"Ensuring you prepare safe, wear safe and ride safe will reduce your risk of being seriously injured or even killed in a quad bike accident," Ms Rickard said.
"Riders are advised to wear protective gear at all times. This includes a helmet, long sleeves, long pants, boots or other sturdy shoes with a closed toe, and gloves."
"Quad bikes are not suitable for all terrains. They cannot be safely used on all slopes and surfaces. Even experienced riders have been injured when their quad bike has tipped or rolled," Ms Rickard said.
Tragically, one in six quad bike related deaths between 2011 and 2013 involved children under 14 years old.
"Quad bikes can be particularly dangerous for children because they do not have the size, strength or coordination of adults. Parents and carers should never let children ride quad bikes meant for adults," Ms Rickard said.
The ACCC has launched a YouTube video, 'Would You Risk It?' that highlights the life-threatening dangers of unsafe quad bike practices.
The ACCC will also enlist the support of quad bike suppliers to encourage them to pass on the safety messages and video directly to their customers.
The ACCC advises quad bike riders prepare safely by ensuring riders are properly trained, checking the bike is in a safe condition and to read the toperator manual and observe manufactuer's safety warnings.
Riders should always wear a helmet, wear protective clothing including goggles, long sleeves, long pants, boots and gloves.
Quad bike riders should never let children ride adult quad bikes, even as passengers, carry passengers on quad bikes that are only meant for one person and avoid riding on rough terrain or steep slopes.
To see the ACCC Youtube video look at our website.
